Music (LIVE!)

In retrospect, having spent 5 years doing a music degree, I can't help but wonder why I'm doing photography. I've always enjoyed live music in any wedding and there is a big difference whether a couple get their music played 'live' or they just simply prefer to pop a CD into the player (yawn!). Here's my little tribute to some of the musicians that have made a difference to the whole wedding atmosphere :)


This is one of the quirkiest picture taken this in May this year for a wedding. Some of you might recognise members from "By Definition" that is currently in the top 6 spots for Live-the-Dream, a local spin-off of The American Idol. (By Definition was still playing in M hotel back then, with the groom)



I love this one. The groom is one of the members of the band "Zero Sequence" that is very active in our local scene. This is an example of a timeless picture taken in a heartland setting (yea, no playing of football).






The musicians from the local group "A Little Dream" that I took today. See them now and then at weddings :)

Melbourne 02 Sept 2007, Miriam & Kevin

Just got back from my overseas photoshoots...loads of stuffs to unpack and all.

I'm really pleased to say that half of my clientele this year are international and this is one series shot in Melbourne which I like a lot not only for its simplicity, but the many heartfelt moments that I'm really glad to be able to document.


Money, Money. Bride getting ready the dough for the rest of the day. Most of the wedding vendors accept cash only as cheques are subjected to fees. This was taken right after she left the hair salon, just before she goes home to start her bridal makeup.


One of my favourites. Twin sister of the bride getting ready.
Three groomsmen and a lady
The chapel where the wedding took place.


Really touching moment hear. Like most of the overseas wedding I've shot, it's real tap works for the couple and their family and friends.
Mother of the groom. Need not say much, it's all in the eyes.


I love this photo! Beautiful ethereal light coming in.
Reception venue. Yours truly braving a 6 degree-c with bone cutting wind to get this shot. Thank God for the invention of tripod.
The first dance with her father. What makes this even more significant is that 2 Sept 2007 was also Father's Day in Australia.
My all-time favourite speech photo. 4 groomsmen, 4 different expressions, esp the only one who seemed to be connected to the "speaker"
Couple's first dance. Salsa!

That's all for now. Bringing Tristan, my two-year-old toddler, to watch Hi-5 concert at Expo (can't believe I'm doing this!) :)

Back!!!!

Okay, confession time. Haven't posted for months and about time I do something. Lots of backlog to update everyone on what's going on.

Yes, Stephen is still alive and kicking :)

Lots of life changing event lately, and nothing is more significant than the arrival of Kyan, my 2nd son.



Isn't he cute?

Will certainly keep everyone posted on the recent events, in the meantime, I'm preparing for another wedding shoot this Saturday, and come monday, I'll be off to Downunder for 10 days for overseas shoot. Lunar 7th month is never a holiday for wedding photgraphers like me!

More post to come, I promise :p

We're overall top 3 in WPJA competition!

Great news to share with one and all, Lyrical Moments just emerged as one of the top 3 photographers in the Winter 2006 photo competition organised by the Wedding photojournalist Association (http://www.wpja.com).



We are indeed very honoured to be the only asian who managed to emerge in the list of top 10 photo journalist, and more than just an award, this is yet another affirmation that our works have reach another new height in the international scene.

Here are the 2 photos that had won:

4th placing under "Humour"



1st placing under "Toast and Speeches"



A big thank you to Jon & Ros, as well as Alex and Jolyne for the opportunity; also like to thank my past and future brides who have sent their well-wishes and congratulations. Cheers!

Michelle & Colin, 4 March 2007

I really love to photograph in hotels that are have nice big windows with nice lighting, and this is probably my favourite photo for the year.




Pushing my style to something a bit more abstract:

Melody & Ivan, 3 March 2007

Another simple and beautiful wedding, Melody & Ivan is one of the many overseas /expat couples that I've photographed.

Congrats to the both of you!

Face lift!

Been spending the past two days revamping the images on my website and probably 90% of the images have been replaced by new ones. These images represent my art direction and vision as a professional photographer.

Here's the new face of Lyrical Moments' website:



New face for the new year!:)

Geraldine & Pierre 3 Feb 2007

Geraldine & Pierre is one of the nicest couples I've met so far - humble, unassuming and I was really glad to be there to document their beautiful wedding.

This is one of those weddings that I really do away with the flash, except for 2 pictures (couldn't help it, venue was way too dim to photograph anything).

Here are some of the highlights, captured for eternity


This is one lovely flower girl, I wish I have a daughter like this :)




Classic kiss scene in church, picture wouldn't be special without audience participation (the flash light!)



One of the really timeless images I've ever captured as a photographer:


Once again, congratulations to Geraldine & Pierre, you guys are wonderful and thank you for the opportunity! :)

Erika & Nick, 21 Jan 2007

Had a really great shoot on Sunday, one of those really simple and cosy wedding affairs. Couple is really fun loving and here are some of my favourite images that define my style.

2007!

Okay, have to admit that I was a little too overwhelmed with work to update my blog.

4 more albums to clear, another 2000 images to post process. Been meeting at least 5 couples per week, answering enquiries via email and phone regarding our services.

Just collected my new name card from the printer, and it's looking great! This time, I've incorporated one of my award winning pictures at the back of the card ;)

Here's our new address:

111, North Bridge Road
#27-01/02 Peninsula Plaza
Singapore 179098

Way to start the first post of the year ;)

Black and white film

In the age where photography is dominantly digital, it is interesting to know that film still has a place in wedding photography. The whole experience of shooting in black and white film, loading it into the film developing tank, pour in the chemicals, washing the film, and finally unreeling the film to reveal the film that you hand processed is priceless.

Although I've stopped doing my own film developing, I personally like to use this medium because of the character and the overall look it gives. In a way, being able to shoot on film is becoming a niche and my clients have been very happy with it.

I normally don't go into equipment discussion, but special mention has to be given to my Leica rangefinder - these tools are really compact and silent, and produces pictures with wonderful tones.

2 examples from weddings I took last week:




Film grain is still something that digital has yet to surpass.

Overseas Bridal Photography

We are really excited to announce that Lyrical Moments will be travelling to the following places: Amsterdam (April & August 07), Dubai (Nov 2007), Adelaide (Mid April) for bridal shoot next year!

In retrospect, here are some of the overseas bridal /prewedding pictures I've done in 2006:

Bridal photography

Over the past 2 weeks, I've received many requests, as well as enquiries for bridal & pre-wedding photography. It's about time we expand our range of services and offer the kind of bridal photography that's not only timeless, but creative and unique at the same time.

So what's Lyrical Moment's philosophy on these bridal shoots? Very simply, it's all about who the couple REALLY is - no cheezy, contrived or "template" poses, but portraits and images that reflect personalities. Every series are going to be unique because everyone's different!

Here are some of my favourites that I've been doing all these while, as a teaser before the bridal section on my website is launch, which I'm sure many are looking forward to.

Images taken in Singapore: